Most parents are concerned about their children’s screen habits. From endless scrolling on phones to binge-watching content, teens can easily slip into screen addiction. But there’s more to worry about. A recent study led by Emma Duerden at Western University in Canada found that teens who spend more than two hours a day on screens during weekdays are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and behavioral issues. Also read | Screens and teens: Loneliness to obsessive thoughts, how screen addiction affects their mental health Teens who spend more than two hours a day on screens during weekdays are at a higher risk of developing anxiety and behavioral issues. (Pexels)

Interestingly, the study revealed that it wasn’t just the amount of screen time that influenced anxiety levels—even teens without any prior symptoms showed a noticeable increase. What mattered more was how they were using their screens.

Findings of the study:

The study, published in Computers in Human Behavior, analysed 580 adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17. Researchers found that passive social media use, such as mindless scrolling and consuming content without interaction, had a stronger link to mental health issues than other types of screen activities.

Screen time among teens surged during the COVID-19 lockdown, as many turned to social media to stay connected and combat feelings of isolation. However, even after restrictions eased, those habits persisted, and in many cases, worsened.

Know tips to reduce screen addiction in teens.(Shutterstock)

What is doomscrolling?

Doomscrolling, the habit of passively consuming content by endlessly scrolling through social media without actively engaging through comments or posts, has emerged as a significant contributor to anxiety among teens.

Researchers noted that this behavior negatively impacts adolescent mental health by encouraging harmful social comparisons and reinforcing feelings of low self-esteem, inadequacy, envy, anxiety, and depression. The constant exposure to curated, often idealised content can distort reality and leave teens feeling disconnected or not good enough. Also read | Expert shares how to know if you are addicted to your phone, 4 tips to reduce screentime

Emma Duerden, who led the study, in a statement said, “In past studies, we’ve shown some teens reporting 15 hours of screen time a day. They wake up, go on a screen and stay the whole day. But reducing cell phone use is easier said than done. I think cell phone bans in schools are key. Getting outside and being part of the real world is also important. We all just need to take a break from our phones for our mental and overall well-being.”

Tips to reduce screen addiction in teens:

In an earlier interview with HT lifestyle, Urvashi Musale, child and teen behavioural expert and founder of ProParent said, “Effective coping mechanisms to combat screen addiction can include mindfulness practices, digital detox, and seeking support from mental health professionals. Implementing screen time limits, promoting healthy tech usage in families, and raising awareness about screen addiction are essential preventive measures.”

Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

NEW YORK, NY (June 18, 2025)–Addictive use of social media, video games, or mobile phones—but not total screen time—is associated with worse mental health among preteens, a new study by researchers at Columbia and Cornell universities has found.

The study, published June 18 in JAMA, examined the social media use of nearly 4,300 children, starting at age 8, and how use changed over the next four years.

Addictive use of screens—excessive use that interfered with schoolwork, home responsibilities, or other activities—was common, and use patterns varied by screen type and over time. For mobile phones, about half of the children reported high addictive use from the start of the study that remained high through early adolescence, and about 25% developed increasingly addictive use as they aged. For social media, approximately 40% of children had high or increasingly addictive use. Unlike social media and mobile phones, video game use followed only two trajectories—high and low—without a distinct “increasing” group over time.

Both high and increasingly addictive screen use were associated with worse mental health (e.g. anxiety, depression, or aggression) and suicidal behaviors and thoughts.

“These kids experience a craving for such use that they find it hard to curtail. Parents who notice these problems should have their kids evaluated for this addictive use and then seek professional help for kids with an addiction,” says psychiatrist J. John Mann, the Paul Janssen Professor of Translational Neuroscience in Psychiatry and Radiology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and the New York State Psychiatric Institute and one of the study’s senior leaders.

“While national surveys and previous studies have documented rising screen use, our study is the first to map longitudinal trajectories of addictive use specifically, offering new insights into when and for whom risks emerge. Policy efforts should move away from generic limits on screen time and instead focus on identifying and addressing addictive patterns of screen use,” says Yunyu Xiao, PhD, the first and lead author, assistant professor of population health science and psychiatry at Weill Cornell Medicine.

Children entering adolescence also should be assessed repeatedly for addictive use. “If you do not follow kids over time, you would miss this substantial group that shifts from low risk to higher risk,” Mann says.

Background

Increasing use of social media, video games, and mobile phones among children and teenagers has raised concerns that excessive use may be contributing to a rise in mental health problems among young people.

Most research has focused on total screen time, rather than the nature of screen time or how that use may change over time.

Study details

The new study—the first to characterize addictive use trajectories for social media, mobile phones, and video games among children—looked at children in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study.

The researchers analyzed data collected over four years on the youths’ mental health; use of social media, mobile phones, and video games; and their agreement with various statements about screen use (e.g. “I play video games so I can forget about my problems,” and “I feel the need to use social media apps more and more.”)

Based on the participants’ agreement with such statements, the researchers identified several addictive use patterns and examined the relationship between these addictive patterns and mental health.

Screen use and mental health

Overall, about 5% of the nearly 4,300 study participants exhibited suicidal behaviors (from preparatory actions to suicide attempts) during the study’s fourth year, and this was the outcome used to evaluate the impact of addictive screen use or the total time of screen use.

For social media and mobile phones, children with high or increasingly addictive use patterns had a two to three times greater risk of suicidal behaviors and suicidal ideation compared to children with a low addictive use pattern.

Total screen time was not associated with suicide-related or mental health outcomes.

Next steps

This study indicates that interventions that focus on addictive screen use may hold more promise as a prevention approach and do not support prevention focusing on total screen time.

“Now that we know that an addictive use pattern is so important, we need to develop intervention strategies and test them in controlled clinical trials,” says Mann, who adds that it’s not known if screen access needs to be eliminated or just restricted. “We know from studies of addiction management that partial access can quickly reinforce the addiction.”

More information

The study, ” Addictive Screen Use Trajectories and Suicidal Behaviors, Suicidal Ideation, and Mental Health in US Youths ,” was published June 18 in JAMA.

J. John Mann, MD, PhD, is also director of the Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and co-director of the Columbia Center for Prevention and Treatment of Depression.

All authors: Yunyu Xiao (Weill Cornell Medicine), Yuan Meng (Weill Cornell Medicine), Timothy T. Brown (University of California, Berkeley), Katherine M. Keyes (Columbia), and J. John Mann (Columbia).

This study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (RF1MH134649), American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (YIG-2-133-22), Google, and the Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity (AIM-AHEAD), a program of the National Institutes of Health (1OT2OD032581-02-259).

J. John Mann reports receipt of royalties for commercial use of the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale from the Research Foundation for Mental Hygiene and the Columbia Pathways App from Columbia University.

Social media is a big part of teen life. It helps them connect, express themselves, and learn. But it also brings risks. Teens need guidance, not fear. When used mindfully, social media can support healthy growth.

The Positive Side of Social Media

Social Connection and Support

Social media helps teens stay in touch with friends and find others who share their values and interests. For teens who feel isolated, online communities can give them a sense of belonging. This matters most for those who face discrimination or feel left out at school or at home.

A 2022 Pew Research Center survey found that 58% of teens say social media helps them feel more connected to friends, and 67% say it helps them feel accepted..

Access to Information and Resources

Many teens turn to platforms for help. They learn about mental health, coping tools, and self-care. They also find videos and posts from others sharing real stories. This gives teens motivation and shows them they’re not alone.

Access to the right content can change lives. Teens who follow mental health accounts may discover therapy options or learn how to ask for help.

Creative Expression and Identity Formation

Platforms let teens show who they are. They can write, draw, film, or take photos. This helps them explore identity, gain confidence, and grow skills.

Many teens use tools to create Instagram posts that reflect their thoughts or creativity. This allows personal storytelling, which helps them feel seen and understood.

Advocacy and Social Awareness

Social media gives teens a voice. They can speak up for what they believe in, raise money for causes, or share global news.

This also builds empathy. Seeing other people’s experiences helps teens understand life outside their bubble. A report from Common Sense Media found that one in four teens said social media increased their understanding of social justice issues.

The Downsides and Risks

Comparison Culture and Self-Esteem Issues

Most people only post their best moments. Teenagers compare these images with their everyday lives, which can lower their self-esteem.

Some feel like they’re not good enough, which leads to anxiety or sadness. Researchers at the University of Texas found that more social comparison on Instagram links to lower body image and higher levels of depression in teens.

Cyberbullying and Online Harassment

Some users abuse their anonymity. They post hurtful comments or spread rumors. For victims, this leads to emotional harm or mental health issues.

Even short messages can cause lasting damage. Victims may isolate themselves or lose trust in others.

Disrupted Sleep and Screen Addiction

Scrolling at night disrupts sleep. Tired teens struggle to focus, stay active, or manage emotions. Some also develop habits that interfere with school, hobbies, or relationships.

Addiction to screens lowers time spent outside or with family. Without limits, even fun platforms can take over a teen’s day.

Misinformation and Harmful Content

Teens often see misleading or harmful posts. They might follow advice that seems helpful but is unsafe. Harmful trends spread fast, and teens may not question what they see.

Without digital literacy, it’s hard to judge what’s true. This can cause stress or lead to risky behavior.

Finding Balance and Building Healthy Habits

Encouraging Critical Thinking and Media Literacy

Teens should learn how to question content. Not everything online is real or helpful. Help them notice how algorithms work and how content gets filtered.

When teens understand how social media works, they make better choices. They learn to pause and think.

Setting Boundaries and Screen Time Rules

Boundaries help teens stay balanced. That includes phone-free times, like before bed or during meals. Apps and devices offer tracking tools to help manage use.

Clear rules make routines easier to follow. They also support healthy sleep and more offline time.

Open Communication and Support

Teens need space to talk. Adults should listen without judgment. Ask open questions about their online experiences.

Model good media habits. Share your challenges and show how to take breaks when needed.

Promoting Offline Well-Being

Life beyond the screen matters. Encourage sports, music, clubs, or volunteering. Offline activities build self-worth and new friendships.

The more teens enjoy offline time, the less they feel tied to their screens.

Conclusion

Social media shapes how teens see themselves and others. It brings benefits, but also risks. It’s not good or bad—it depends on how it’s used.

With support from adults, teens can use social media in healthy ways. Help them stay aware, ask questions, and take breaks when needed. That way, they’ll learn how to thrive both online and offline.

Is using social media making our kids unhappy? Evidence is mounting that there is a link between social media and depression. In several studies, teenage and young adult users who spend the most time on Instagram, Facebook and other platforms were shown to have a substantially (from 13 to 66 percent) higher rate of reported depression than those who spent the least time.

Does that mean that Instagram and TikTok are actually causing depression? These studies show a correlation, not causation. But it’s worth a serious look at how social media could be affecting teenagers and young adults negatively.

One reason the correlation seems more than coincidental is that an increase in depression occurred in tandem with the rise in smartphone use.

A 2017 study of over half a million eighth through 12th graders found that the number exhibiting high levels of depressive symptoms increased by 33 percent between 2010 and 2015. In the same period, the suicide rate for girls in that age group increased by 65 percent.

Smartphones were introduced in 2007, and by 2015 fully 92 percent of teens and young adults owned a smartphone. The rise in depressive symptoms correlates with smartphone adoption during that period, even when matched year by year, observes the study’s lead author, San Diego State University psychologist Jean Twenge, PhD.

Over that same time period there was a sharp spike in reports of students seeking help at college and university counseling centers, principally for depression and anxiety. Visits jumped 30 percent between 2010 and 2015, and they’ve continued to rise since the pandemic.

Social media and depression

One of the biggest differences in the lives of current teenagers and young adults, compared to earlier generations, is that they spend much less time connecting with their peers in person and more time connecting electronically, principally through social media.

Some experts see the rise in depression as evidence that the connections social media users form electronically are less emotionally satisfying, leaving them feeling socially isolated.

“The less you are connected with human beings in a deep, empathic way, the less you’re really getting the benefits of a social interaction,” points out Alexandra Hamlet, PsyD, a clinical psychologist. “The more superficial it is, the less likely it’s going to cause you to feel connected, which is something we all need.”

Indeed, one exception to the depression correlation is girls who are high users of social media but also keep up a high level of face-to-face social interaction. The Twenge study showed that those girls who interact intensely offline as well as through social media don’t show the increase in depressive symptoms that those who interact less in person do.

And there are some teenagers who aren’t successful in connecting with peers offline, because they are isolated geographically or don’t feel accepted in their schools and local communities. For those kids, electronic connection can be lifesaving.

Social media and perceived isolation

Another study of a national sample of young adults (age 19-32) showed correlation between the time spent on social media and perceived social isolation (PSI). The authors noted that directionality can’t be determined. That is, “Do people feeling socially isolated spend more time on social media, or do more intense users develop PSI?”

If it’s the latter, they noted, “Is it because the individual is spending less time on more authentic social experiences that would decrease PSI? Or is it the nature of observing highly curated social feeds that they make you feel more excluded?”

Which brings us what we now call FOMO, or fear of missing out.

Jerry Bubrick, PhD, a clinical psychologist who treated many kids with anxiety and OCD at the Child Mind Institute, observes that “FOMO is really the fear of not being connected to our social world, and that need to feel connected sometimes trumps whatever’s going on in the actual situation we’re in. The more we use social media, the less we think about being present in the moment.”

Instead we might be occupied with worrying why we weren’t invited to a party we’re seeing on Instagram, or making sure we don’t miss a single post from a friend. But if we’re always playing catch-up to endless online updates, we’re prioritizing social interactions that aren’t as emotionally rewarding and can actually make us feel more isolated.

Social media and self-esteem

Another theory about the increase in depression is the loss of self-esteem, especially in teenage girls, when they compare themselves negatively with artfully curated images of those who appear to be prettier, thinner, more popular and richer.

“Many girls are bombarded with their friends posting the most perfect pictures of themselves, or they’re following celebrities and influencers who do a lot of Photoshopping and have makeup and hair teams,” explains Dr. Hamlet. “If that’s their model for what is normal, it can be very hard on their self-confidence.”

Indeed, image-driven Instagram shows up in surveys as the platform that most leads young people to report feeling anxiety, depression and worries about body image.

Curation of a perfect image may not only make others feel inadequate, it’s unhealthy even for those who appear to be successful at it, notes Dr. Bubrick. “Kids spend so much time on social media trying to post what they think the world will think is a perfect life. Look at how happy I am! Look how beautiful I am! Without that they’re worried that their friends won’t accept them. They’re afraid of being rejected.” And if they are getting positive feedback from their social media accounts, they might worry that what their friends like isn’t the “real” them.

Less healthy activity

Another possible source of depression may be what teenagers are not doing during while they’re spending time on social media, including physical activity and things that generate a sense of accomplishment, like learning new skills and developing talents.

“If you’re spending a lot of time on your phone, you have less time for activities that can build confidence, a sense of achievement and connectedness,” explains Dr. Hamlet.

Kids who are spending a lot of time on devices are not getting much in return to make them feel good about themselves, she adds. “Yes, you get a little dopamine burst whenever you get a notification, or a like on a picture, or a follow request. But those things are addicting without being satisfying.”

Disrupted concentration

Another thing disrupted by social media is the process of doing homework and other tasks that require concentration. It’s become common for teenagers to engage with friends on social media at the same time they are studying. They take pride in being able to multi-task, but evidence shows that it cuts down on learning and performance.

“Basically, multitasking isn’t possible,” Dr. Hamlet notes. “What you end up doing is really just switching back and forth between two tasks rather quickly. There is a cost to the brain.” And with poorer concentration and constant interruption, homework takes substantially longer than it should, cutting into free time and adding to stress.

Sleep deprivation and depression

Some of the ways in which social media use impacts mood may be indirect. For instance, one of the most common contributors to depression in teenagers is sleep deprivation, which can be caused, or exacerbated, by social media.

Research shows that 60 percent of adolescents are looking at their phones in the last hour before sleep, and that they get on average an hour less sleep than their peers who don’t use their phones before bed. Blue light from electronic screens interferes with falling asleep; on top of that, checking social media is not necessarily a relaxing or sleep-inducing activity. Scrolling on social media, notes Dr. Hamlet, can easily end up causing stress.

“Social media can have a profound effect on sleep,” adds Dr. Bubrick. “You have the intention to check Instagram or watch TikTok videos for 5 minutes, and the next thing you know 50 minutes are gone. You’re an hour behind in sleep, and more tired the next day. You find it harder to focus. You’re off your game, and it spirals from there.”

How to minimize negative effects of social media use

While we don’t yet have conclusive evidence that social media use actually causes depression, we do have plenty of warning signs that it may be affecting our kids negatively. So it’s smart for parents to check in regularly with kids about their social media use, to make sure it’s positive and healthy, and guide them towards ways to change it, if you think it’s not.

Also, be alert for symptoms of depression. If you notice signs that your child might be depressed, take them seriously. Ask your child how they are doing, and don’t hesitate to set up an appointment with a mental health provider.

Steps you can take to ensure healthy social media use:

Focus on balance: Make sure your kids are also engaging in social interaction offline, and have time for activities that help build identity and self-confidence.

Make sure your kids are also engaging in social interaction offline, and have time for activities that help build identity and self-confidence. Turn off notifications: App developers are getting more and more aggressive with notifications to lure users to interrupt whatever they’re doing to engage constantly with their phones. Don’t let them.

App developers are getting more and more aggressive with notifications to lure users to interrupt whatever they’re doing to engage constantly with their phones. Don’t let them. Look out for girls at higher risk of depression: Monitor girls who are going through a particularly tough time or are under unusual stress. Negative effects of social media can have more impact when confidence is down.

Monitor girls who are going through a particularly tough time or are under unusual stress. Negative effects of social media can have more impact when confidence is down. Teach mindful use of social media : Encourage teenagers to be honest with themselves about how time spent on social media makes them feel, and disengage from interactions that increase stress or unhappiness.

Encourage teenagers to be honest with themselves about how time spent on social media makes them feel, and disengage from interactions that increase stress or unhappiness. Model restraint and balance in your own media diet: Set an example by disengaging from media to spend quality family time together, including phone-free dinners and other activities. Kids may resist, but they’ll feel the benefits.

Set an example by disengaging from media to spend quality family time together, including phone-free dinners and other activities. Kids may resist, but they’ll feel the benefits. Phone-free time before sleep: Enforce a policy of no smartphones in the bedroom after a specific time and overnight. Use an old-fashioned alarm clock to wake up.

In this article, learn about the psychological and physical health effects of technology and how to create more positive habits with technology and avoid overuse.

While some forms of technology may have made positive changes in the world, there is also evidence for the negative effects of technology and its overuse.

Modern technology allows people to be more connected than ever, but there may be downsides. Excess social media and mobile device use may result in eyestrain, neck pain, and difficulty sleeping.

Again, though, this study does not establish a causal relationship between social media and depression. More research is necessary to understand the relationship.

However, there was a stronger link between problematic social media use and depression. This suggests people using social media in less healthy ways could be more at risk for depression.

A 2021 review of past research found a weak but significant association between time spent on social media and depression symptoms.

In contrast, body positive content, which promotes a positive view of all bodies regardless of shape or size, had an association with better body image.

A 2022 review notes that image-based social media platforms have a stronger association with a negative body image than text-based platforms, as do several behaviors relating to social media use, such as:

One of the most well-studied effects of social media use is on body image , or how satisfied a person is with their appearance.

Overuse or dependence on technology may have adverse psychological effects, including:

Technology use may increase the risk of physical issues as well, including:

Eyestrain

Technologies, such as handheld tablets, smartphones, and computers, can hold a person’s attention for long periods, which may lead to eyestrain.

Symptoms of digital eyestrain can include dry, tired eyes and a headache. Taking regular breaks away from the screen may reduce the likelihood of this issue.

Anyone regularly experiencing these symptoms needs to consult an optometrist for a checkup.

The 20-20-20 rule for digital viewing

The American Optometric Association recommends using the 20-20-20 rule when using any form of digital screen for longer periods of time.

To apply the rule, after every 20 minutes of screen time, a person needs to take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away.

Doing this may help reduce the strain on the eyes from staring at a screen for a continuous period.

Sleep problems

Using technology close to bedtime or during the night may interfere with sleep.

A 2021 study of young adults found that cellphone use before bed predicted difficulty sleeping. The effect was more pronounced when participants used their phones to look at emotionally-charged content.

Gentle activities to wind down, such as reading a book, doing gentle stretches, or taking a bath, can be suitable alternatives.

Changes in physical activity

Modern technologies often encourage people to be more sedentary while they watch television, play games, or use the internet. Research from 2020 has shown an association between using electronic devices and increased time spent sitting, which can have harmful long-term effects.

However, it is also true that technology can help people exercise.